Real-Life Insights from Real Professionals
Since the inception of the Executive Program in Health Systems, its personnel have taken an informal approach to connecting prospective students with current students and/or alumni in order to enable anybody interested in the program to ask questions and learn about the personal experiences of others who have pursued this path. Ambassadors offer their insights to help others determine whether or not this rigorous course of study is appropriate for them.
Please feel free to contact any of the Ambassadors below regarding the material covered in the courses, work/life/school balance, job opportunities, overall impressions of the program, or anything else you may have a question about:
Meet the Current Manhattan Ambassadors
Class of 2023
Nikolas Kritis
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Minor in Biomaterials and BioPharm Tech
Current Position: WISE Graduate Research Assistant/Health Systems Engineering Intern at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Email: nkritis1@binghamton.edu
I got my start in healthcare as an EMT. It's been wonderful to learn and apply systems science and engineering principles to better the field in ways that I had never imagined. I'm happy to share my experiences and provide any support to those interested.
Tamiqua Graham
Course of Study: Master of Science in Systems Science, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Bachelor of Arts in Biology; Chemistry minor, Caldwell College Class of 2011, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Marist College Class of 2015
Current Position: Clinical Laboratory Scientist II at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Hematology)
Email: TGraham4@binghamton.edu
My passion for healthcare and desire to explore ways in which I can make a positive impact in this complex and vital industry have been longstanding. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have constantly sought opportunities to deepen my understanding and contribution to the field. Recognizing the complexities inherent in healthcare, this unique program has given me valuable tools which have allowed me to combine my interests and transform them into a meaningful career path.
In 2011, I graduated from Caldwell College where I obtained a BA in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. I then went on to join Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2012, where after a few years I was selected to join the inaugural class of the Laboratory Scholars program, a 1-year accelerated program through which I obtained a BS in Medical technology in 2015.
After giving much thought regarding my next steps and interactions with the healthcare field, I joined the Systems Science at Binghamton in Manhattan. This program uniquely afforded me the flexibility of continuing to work within my current role while simultaneously immersing myself into the world of System Science. Moreover, I had the privilege of learning from some of the most esteemed professors in the field.
Additionally, during my time in the program, I acquired the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification from Binghamton. This accomplishment positions me as an asset in my pursuit of fostering continuous improvement and optimizing processes within any organization I choose to be a part of in the future. I look forward to leveraging the knowledge and skills I have acquired in this program to excel in my career.
I remain grateful for the invaluable experiences and opportunities provided by this program. I’d be very happy to offer any support I can to individuals interested in pursuing a similar path! Please feel free to reach out to me with any inquiries or simply to engage in friendly conversation. I am more than willing to assist and share my insights!
Samantha Zerrenner
Course of Study: Master of Science in Systems Science, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Psychology with a minor in Education
Current Position: IRB Coordinator at MSKCC
Email: szerren1@binghamton.edu
James Anatra
Course of Study: MS in Systems Science, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: BA in Philosophy, Minor in Biology
Current Position: WISE Graduate Research Assistant at Mount Sinai
Email: janatra94@hotmail.com
While working in a clinical toxicology lab as an application development scientist, I became interested in using data analytics and operations research to improve my workplace. However, my educational background wasn't very relevant to those subjects, so I found it hard to get started on my own. The Manhattan program has given me a great opportunity to build up the foundation of statistics, industrial systems engineering, and process improvement that I was missing. I would highly recommend it as a starting point for anybody looking to pivot into the healthcare industry, especially if you're interested in statistics and you're not too attached to your weekends.
Class of 2022
Oscar Molina
Course of Study: Master of Science in Systems Science, Executive Health Systems Concentration; Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management
UG Background: Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Advanced Graduate Certificate in Leading Change in Healthcare Systems
Doctor of Medicine
Current Position: Data and Advocacy, Race to Justice Management Team, Health Research Training Program, Office of the First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Equity Officer- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH)
Email: omolina2@binghamton.edu
I have been on a quest to battle the rise of preventable disease at the population level as the leading cause of death in the world. This has led me to a deep dive into the root cause of health disparities, structural discrimination, and racial violence. My journey ultimately brought me to beautifully discovering Health Systems Science and understanding why the American Medical Association made it the third pillar of Medicine.
At the Health Department, I am the primary author of the Legacy Report – a report which is meant to serve as a reference and a manual on how the agency took steps toward battling health disparities, structural discrimination, and systems of oppression. This also includes all the events which led to the NYC Board of Health passing a resolution declaring racism as a public health emergency.
At the CUNY School of Public Health, I am part of the team who recently received $8.1 million from the NIH to develop the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) and computational modeling center for precision nutrition and health. The center will develop state-of-the art AI, machine learning (ML), Big Data methods and other data science approaches to better understand and improve diet and nutrition.
Sharon Wong
Course of Study: Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering & Sustainability Engineering minor, Binghamton University Class of 2021
Current Position: WISE Graduate Research Assistant / Health Systems Engineering Intern at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Email: swong65@binghamton.edu
Throughout my undergraduate college career, I have had a wide range of experience from interning at an investment company, transportation start-up, and pharmaceutical company, but my goal has always been to work in a hospital in NYC. I was born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, so I spent most of my life in the fast-paced city environment. I love learning new things and sharing my knowledge with others, and I cannot be more happy to say that I am a first-generation student, and will be the first in my immediate family to get a Masters degree. Please feel free to email/message me with any questions about my background or the program.
Sandy Reisman
Course of Study: Master of Science in Systems Science, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Health Policy, Analysis
& Management minor, Cornell University Class of 2020
Current Position: Incoming Associate at ZS Associates, Insights Strategy & Planning
Email: sreisma1@binghamton.edu
I have always been interested in healthcare and particularly how I can have a positive impact on such a complex and important industry. This unique program has given me the knowledge, tools, and network to apply this interest in my professional career.
I graduated from Cornell University in 2020 with a BS in Human Development and Minor in Health Policy, Analysis & Management where I gained a deep understanding of the policies and complexities of our healthcare system, while understanding the importance of human experience and interactions as it relates to one’s health. After graduating, I worked at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals on early-stage drug development and learned about the pharmaceutical industry from both a scientific and policy perspective.
While considering the next step in my career, I discovered the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Healthcare certification through Binghamton with Professor Khasawneh. After completing this certification in March of 2021, I wanted to continue this education, and discovered this unique program in Systems Science at Binghamton in Manhattan. This program allowed me to remain in NYC, be a part of a tight-knit cohort, and learn from some of the best professors in this field on how to create a more efficient, less costly and more effective healthcare systems while also working part-time at HITLAB (Healthcare Innovation and Technology Lab), where I provide research and strategy guidance to companies building digital health solutions.
In October 2022, I will start a full time position as an Associate in Insights Strategy
& Planning at ZS Associates in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. I am excited
to apply the knowledge and skills I learned to this new position!
I am very grateful for this program and would be happy to provide any guidance to
those interested! Feel free to contact me with any questions or to just chat!
Class of 2021
Brianna Genova
Course of Study: Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Health Policy, Analysis & Management minor, Cornell University Class of 2020
Current Position: IT Project Manager at Pinterest
Email: bgenova1@binghamton.edu
I've always wanted to pursue a Masters Degree and knew I wanted to go this route since first walking on Binghamton's Campus freshman year, I just didn't know what Masters path I was going to follow. Senior year I had the opportunity to take Fundamentals of Health Systems as a part of my BS ISE elective coursework, and was enthralled by the different application of engineers in healthcare. I already knew of the Manhattan Program from being a part of the System Science and Industrial Engineering Department, but learning that this was still a MS ISE, in all its fundamentals, but just took the application into the hospital - I knew I wanted to learn more. My Senior Capstone Project was creating a Standardized Medical Equipment Trial Process for United Health Systems and led us to be the Systems Design Track for the 2020 Capstone Competition at West Point. Starting to understand and applying ISE in a hospital setting solidified my choice of pursuing the Manhattan Program. My decision was made pre-pandemic but after the world shut down the need for Industrial Systems Engineers in health systems is even more prevalent! While I am not currently working in health systems I am still using my classwork in Six Sigma, project management, probability and statistics, and quality improvement in my day-to-day at Pinterest. Being such a selective program, I am especially grateful for the support of all the professors, advisors, and classmates that this program provides on a personal level.
Natasha Allgood 
Course of Study: Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, concentration in Medical
Dosimetry, Biology Minor, Stony Brook University
Current Position: Certified Medical Dosimetrist III, Process Improvement Lead at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Email: nallgoo1@binghamton.edu
Throughout my education, I had a passion for math, science, technology, and health.
During my undergraduate studies, I was given the opportunity to become a Physics TA
while studying biology and math. Within that period, I was advised to apply to the
competitive post- baccalaureate medical dosimetry program as a Health Sciences major.
After shadowing, the different medical dosimetrists within the Radiation Oncology
Medical Physics Department, it clicked. I wanted to make a difference in healthcare
in an innovative and creative way. Thereafter, working in two top hospitals designing
radiation treatment plans and participating in published studies exposed me to ample
opportunities for improvement. There is a growing demand within healthcare, an increased
complexity of treatment, and data driven science. The tools and learning experiences
gained from the program are essential tools to improve care, patient safety, and more.
I have applied several tools at my workplace and will seek further opportunities to
improve care. If you are interested or have any questions about the Master of Science
in Industrial and Systems Engineering degree, please contact me.
Joan Infante
Course of Study: Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Executive Health Systems Concentration
UG Background: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, CUNY City College
Current Position: Research Specialist at Montefiore Medical Center
Email: jinfant2@binghamton.edu
I have been contemplating going back to school for some time and after a handful of years in Montefiore, I was told of a great opportunity in this Binghamton program. Instead of getting my degree in another field, and going back to square one, the thought of continuing a path in healthcare seemed like a no-brainer to me. I have always been interested in statistics and storytelling, and the healthcare program was a great place to focus on that. The tools of this program have surely made an impact on both myself and the community at large. Healthcare is one of the most complex systems in the United States and I hope to bridge the gap in access to care and long-term health outcomes. If you are interested in the Industrial Engineering and Systems Science degree, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Class of 2020
Sameerah Shaik
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems. In
the fall, I’ll be attending William Carey’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM)
as its class of 2024.
UG background: BS in Integrative Neuroscience and BA in Spanish Language and Literature
from Binghamton University
Employment: During my gap year, I worked with AmeriCorps at the Southern Tier AIDS
Program and then worked as a medical scribe at Northwell Health Monter Cancer Center.
When I reached my senior year of undergrad, I realized I needed to take a gap year to
focus on strengthening my application for medical school and gain more experience.
As I explored different options and debated whether to work or pursue a master’s,
I came across an info session for the Executive Masters of Health Systems program
in Manhattan. This caught my eye because I knew I wanted to obtain a master's in an
applicable field to healthcare. I considered other programs at other universities
like a MHA or MPH, but the beauty of this program was that it was only on Saturdays,
located in Manhattan (which is close to home) and allowed me to gain clinical experience
during the week. While balancing my master’s program, working at the Monter Cancer
Center, and going through the application process for medical school was challenging,
I am grateful for the experience and the knowledge learned from this program and for
the connections I have formed with my professors and cohort colleagues. This program
opened my eyes to learn more about the inner workings and behind the scenes of healthcare.
I knew I wanted to become a physician, but this program showed me that it is more
than just being a successful physician; it is about continuously improving the healthcare
system by making it more lean and efficient in order to consistently delivering quality
medical care.
Email: sshaik3@binghamton.edu
Hollis Cuffie
Course of Study: Systems Science
UG Background: BS in Human & Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University c/o 2018
Current Position: Data Scientist, P&G
Email: hcuffie1@binghamton.edu
Class of 2019
Justin Chang
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS), BA in Music
Current Position: Technical Project Management Associate for the Data Security and Infrastructure Risk Team at Morgan Stanley
Email: jchang57@binghamton.edu
As a musician, I naturally view my environment and experiences through the lens of a creative. This program has given me to the tools to put my creative visions into practice through advanced strategic methodologies like Lean/Six Sigma, to complex technical skills like modelling and simulation. I've always been curious and interested in learning new concepts, but never found an appropriate way of linking my coursework, skills, and passions together. Now, having secured a full-time position at Mount Sinai Health Systems, I feel as though the intersection of my business, healthcare, and creative interests have been aligned through my pursuing a degree in systems engineering. My goal in the future is to incorporate music into healthcare by developing proactive music therapy programming for patients with neuro-degenerative disorders, and beyond the technical skills I honed through this program, I learned how we as a society should be tackling our problems in healthcare: by building change through a radical commitment to patient experience and quality care. Feel free to reach out to me to learn more about the program details or about my experience with the program!
Alice M Gittler
Course of Study: Executive Health Systems
UG Background: MPS, Healthcare Interior Design, New York School of Interior Design
MA, International Affairs, Columbia University
BA, Anthropology, Franklin and Marshall College
Current Position: Director of Healthcare Design Research and Engagement, EwingCole
Email: agittler@ewingcole.com
Lindsay Wax
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: Business Administration at University at Albany (SUNY Albany)
Current Position: Senior Improvement Engineer at One Brooklyn Health
Email: lwax92@gmail.com
I graduated with a Business degree in 2014 and worked in various sectors of the business world until 2017. By 2017, I knew I needed a drastic career change. I never pictured myself in healthcare, but I always pictured myself applying my skills and time to something greater than myself. After getting bogged down by the business world, the Executive Health Systems – Manhattan program was sent to me by a friend of a friend. I only read the description one time before knowing this was where I wanted to be. With my knack for process improvement and supply chain management, and my passion for helping the world around me, I was confident that this program would open doors to a new career that I aspired to be in. I never imagined someone with only a business background would gain so much knowledge and real world experience from a one-year program. I recommend this program to anyone who has interest in process improvement, healthcare, and making a difference.
Class of 2018
Nafis Brown
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Radiologic Sciences (Radiation Therapy)
Current Position: Senior Improvement Advisor, Penn Medicine
Email: nbrown32@binghamton.edu
Kevin Mayone
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BA in History
Current Position: Performance Improvement Specialist at Montefiore Medical Center
Email: kmayone1@binghamton.edu
Erik Thurheimer
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Meteorology (Penn State)
Current Position: Senior Systems Analyst for Equitable Insurance
Email: ethurhe1@binghamton.edu
Hannah Booth
Course of Study: MS in Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG background: BS in Integrative Neuroscience
Current Position: Project Manager at Centers Plan for Healthy Living
Email: hannahelizabeth999@gmail.com
Class of 2017
Shani Bynum
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Health Science and Women's Studies
Current Position: Quality & Safety Manager for Radiology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and PhD student in Systems Science
The knowledge and tools you gain from this program are relevant in today's changing Healthcare environment. As a clinician who works long hours in a busy department, a program like this one gives me the opportunity to work full time while I further my education. While providing care for patients, especially cancer patients, there is always room for process improvement. The material and methods that I have learned so far are essential for process improvement and can be utilized in my everyday work duties. Although the course is intense, you do have total support from all of The Watson College faculty members! If you are interested or have any questions about the program, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Email: sbynum1@binghamton.edu
Deeba Khorrami 
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Integrated Neuroscience
Current Position: Coordinator, Program Implementation & Partner Engagement, Maimonides Medical Center
Email: dkhorra1@binghamton.edu
Jordi Escorcia
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Current Position: District Operations Industrial Engineer, USPS, and Ph.D. Student; formerly Process Improvement Intern at Mt. Sinai Queens
Email: jescorc1@binghamton.edu
As an undergraduate in the Industrial and Systems Engineering department at Binghamton University, I sought to apply my skill sets in areas other than the traditional Manufacturing or Operations roles. I found the perfect opportunity with the Executive Health Systems – Manhattan Program. Here I learned the tools which helped me implement my educational background in one of the fastest growing and stable job markets in the nation. The Healthcare industry is in high demand for ISEs, due to the growing need for improvement in patient care and satisfaction in hundreds of hospitals and HMOs. If you would like to find out more about this program or are just curious about an ISE's role in the healthcare industry, please feel free to contact me.
Nana Boateng 
Agyenim
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Integrated Neuroscience
Current Position: Behavioral Health Counselor at Mt. Sinai
Email: nagyeni1@binghamton.edu
Rachel 
Schaefer
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Current Position: Senior Consultant, Ernst and Young LLP
Email: Rlaghez1@binghamton.edu
Kristin 
Thibault
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Health Policy and Administration
Current Position: Director of Implementation Solutions at Shield Health Solutions
Areas of Interest: Use of LSS and Simulation to Reduce Patient Wate Time and Improve Exam Room Utilization; Neural Network and Fuzzy Approach to Improve Physician/Patient Scheduling Using Patient Diagnosis Codes & Expert Knowledge
Email: kthibau1@binghamton.edu
The flexibility of this program allowed me to pursue a graduate degree while maintaining my professional career in the Healthcare field. The practical knowledge gained was easily transferable and useful in my day to day role. As Healthcare evolves, the use of ISE methodology to solve complex health care problems continues to grow. This program will teach you why change is needed and provides the necessary tools used in the implementation of process improvements. For those that are interested in continuing their education, this is the perfect graduate program. I enjoyed the program so much that I decided to continue my academic journey through the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Systems Science with a focus in Healthcare. Feel free to contact me with any questions about my background or the program.
Christopher 
Ferrer
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Integrative Neuroscience w/ Minor in Health & Wellness Studies
Current Position: Medical Student at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Email: christopher.ferrer@icahn.mssm.edu
As a pre-med student taking a gap year, I decided to enroll in the Manhattan program to strengthen my medical school application and to pursue my ongoing interest in health systems and process improvement within healthcare. The MS in Health Systems was a great experience, and without a doubt helped me stand out during the medical school application/interview process. In addition, the skills I gained from the program have enabled me to take on leadership positions in student lead process improvement initiatives throughout Mount Sinai. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about my background or the program.
Class of 2016
Daniel Jerez 
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Current Position: Industrial Engineer, Northern Westchester Hospital (Northwell Health)
Email: djerez1@binghamton.edu
Indiya Okam, MBA 
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BA in Mathematics
Current Position: Regional Account Executive, Northeast at WellSky
Email: enyindiya@me.com
My goal is to continue to apply the principles of process improvement within the scope
of my work environment in hopes of affecting change in the healthcare delivery system.
The flexibility of this program has provided me with the opportunity to combine a
full-time work schedule and meet the expectations of the program. I am glad to connect
with anyone thinking about managing the program and a full-time work schedule.
Samuel Conklin
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS Engineering Design and Configuration Management, AS Computerized Drafting
Current Position: Senior Project Manager, SPECTRA Audio Design Group
Email: sconkli2@binghamton.edu
The Executive Health Systems – Manhattan Program is a great program to enroll in, it perfectly marries systems science and industrial engineering with healthcare and service-based industries. The Saturday courses allowed me to maintain my career as a project manager in NYC while completing the program. The professors and academic resources available to you during the program are immense and they will cater toward your areas of interest. Personally, working in IT, I did not have much exposure to healthcare, but throughout the program, they have helped me find applicable ways to relate my experiences to the improvement of Health Systems. If you are interested in systems science and industrial engineering and furthermore Health Systems, you should find out more information about the Executive Master of Science in Health Systems – Manhattan.
Kimberly Hom
Course of Study: MS in Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BA Psychology & Sociology
Current Position: Director of Quality Performance Improvement, Anesthesiology Department,
Lenox Hill Hospital - Northwell Health
Email: khom1@binghamton.edu
Class of 2015
Zarin Anika
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Bio-Molecular Science
Current Position: Consultant, Operations Improvement, Nexera, Inc.
Email: anika_zarin@yahoo.com
Shanice Guerrier
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Integrated Neuroscience
Current Position: M.D. Candidate at University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Email: Sguerrier25@gmail.com
Patrick Samedy
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BS in Management concentration: Health Services
Current Position: Associate Director of Quality and Safety Systems, Memorial Sloan Kettering
Email: psaturday@gmail.com
I aim to further my knowledge of systems science and learn to apply industrial engineering methods to the healthcare environment I currently support.
Class of 2014
Christina Gallo
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: English Literature and Rhetoric
Current Position: Business Process Improvement Implementation Manager, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Email: Christina.M.Muratore@gmail.com
Since graduating with my MS from the SSIE program in 2014, I've focused my career in healthcare on process improvement. I'd be happy to share my experiences, especially with anyone looking to enter into engineering for the first time from a liberal arts/social sciences background.
Erik Pedersen
Course of Study: MS Industrial and Systems Engineering with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Current Position: Director of Implementation at Shield Health Solutions
Email: Epeders1@binghamton.edu
Evelyn Moy
Course of Study: MS Systems Science with exec concentration in Health Systems
UG Background: BA in Psychology
Current Position: Director, Project Manager at Pfizer, Inc.
I completed the Executive Health Systems – Manhattan Program in 2014. My class was one of the first cohorts to complete the Manhattan MS program and I truly enjoyed the experience. I would be glad to answer any questions for new students that are considering or will be entering the Manhattan program.
Email: evelyn.w.moy@gmail.com
